Doctor insights on:
How Does Schizophrenia Affect The Brain

1

Multiple areas:
In schizophrenia there are multiple areas affected such as marked reductions in gray matter, decreased brain volume and activity in patients. Other structural changes include larger ventricles and basal nuclei. Please see the image provided which provides a good overview of all areas involved.
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A mental disorder with positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. A person with positive symptoms loses touch with reality with hallucinations or delusions. Negative symptoms: lack of pleasure; failing to take care of everyday functions; losing motivation; the inability to carry out plans in isolation. Cognitive symptoms could include problems focusing, memory problems or difficulty understanding what is going on.
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2

Brain changes:
In schizophrenia there are multiple areas affected in the brain such as marked reductions in gray matter, decreased brain volume and activity in patients. Other structural changes include larger ventricles and basal nuclei. Please see the image provided which provides a good overview of all areas involved.
...Read more

3

Multiple areas:
In schizophrenia there are multiple areas affected such as marked reductions in gray matter, decreased brain volume and activity in patients. Other structural changes include larger ventricles and basal nuclei. Please see the image provided which provides a good overview of all areas involved.
...Read more

4

Brain changes:
In schizophrenia there are multiple areas affected in the brain such as marked reductions in gray matter, decreased brain volume and activity in patients. Other structural changes include larger ventricles and basal nuclei. Please see the image provided which provides a good overview of all areas involved.
...Read more

5

Yes:
Http://www. Journalofpsychiatricresearch. Com/article/S0022-3956 (04)00069-X/abstract? Cc=y=Check out this link. Although as a rule schizophrenics are typically mentally slower. However, there is a subset that have high intellect.
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7

Possible:
The different lobes of affected brains were examined and compared to those of normal brains, showing several structural differences. The most common finding was the enlargement of the lateral ventricles, which are the fluid-filled sacs that surround the brain. The other differences, however, are not nearly as universal, though they are significant.
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9

Both brain disease:
Both of these illnesses are "brain diseases, " and both have psychotic symptoms such as delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, thought disorder, etc. Schizoaffective patients also have mood dysregulation, but pure schizophrenics don't. Treatment for schizophrenia may be antipsychotics alone; schizoaffective people also need mood stabilizing agents. They may deal with mania & depression, + psychosis.
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10

Complicated topic:
I recommend starting with this information booklet from nimh: http://www. Nimh. Nih. Gov/health/publications/schizophrenia-easy-to-read/schizophrenia-easy-to-read. Shtml to learn more about this disorder.
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11

Brain Disease - Yes:
We know that the symptoms of schizophrenia occur because of malfunctions in the brain. While the cause is unknown, the symptoms of schizophrenia has been thought to be a function of excess Dopamine new theories are beginning to emerge as to possible causes and as to the malfunctions of the brain leading to the symptoms of schizophrenia.
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12

Anhedonia is the:
Reduced ability to experience pleasure and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. It is a symptom of depression which is prevalent in individuals with schizophrenia (which includes a flattening of affect, narrow range of emotional expression). Neurotransmitters including dopamine are thought to be involved. The exact mechanism is unknown.
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14

Clinical Exam:
There is no neuroanatomical 'proof' of schizophrenia (though there is no such 'proof' that headaches exist either). There are some neuroanatomical correlates to schizophrenia (increased lateral ventricular size and corresponding decrease in gray matter), though such findings are not specific enough to be of diagnostic utility. The disease is detected through a comprehensive clinical assessment.
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15

Yes:
But, a lot of things are possible. Whether that means they are probable is a different story. I think that any changes which are drastic or come on suddenly for a person, that is something which needs medical evaluation. A condition may be reversible, but waiting may make it worse. As it's difficult to know just what you mean by schizophrenia behavior, it sounds like something requiring attention.
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16

Too big of a:
Question. What is causing the brain atrophy, which parts of the brain are involved, how long has this been going on? These are questions first for a neurologist, and probably a psychiatrist, second. Brain atrophy is a condition where there are less cells and/or there are less connected cells, which can cause cognitive problems, some of which might look like schizophrenia (more like OBS).
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17

Alien at base of bra:
It is most likely a psychotic symptom, but can be from psychotic depression, bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, or schizophrenia/schzoaffective disorder. However there can be organic medical illness that cause such delusions from delirium, and brain. Spinal cord abnormalities, especially in the presence of an infection or metabolic abnormality. I suggest that you get a physical ; labs.
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19

Investigational:
Tms is approved for treatment resistant depression but remains an investigational treatment for schizophrenia as studies in that illness continue to have contradictory findings - some finding global finding, others finding benefit only for negative symptoms, yet others for positive symptoms and a few finding no benefit all. I hope you find relief in your suffering soon. Good luck.
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20

Not known:
That's not known, because "just a normal person" would not be getting any Invega Sustenna. In order to get that drug, the person would already have an abnormal brain, such as a brain that has schizophrenia. This is presuming the person lives in a good, honest society where he has been accurately diagnosed and is being cared for with the best of intentions.
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Neurobiofeedback/EEG:
Brain Mapping is a way of looking at how different areas of the brain function and communicate. How effectively are different areas of the brain doing their job. Multiple Modalities: brain health (EEG), brain processing speed (Evoke Potentials), heart health (EKG), mental health (neuropsychology).
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22

Split brain:
Patients have the potential for a whole host of disconnection syndromes. It comes down to where the damage existed in the brain prior to the epilepsysurgery. Those with right parietal lobe pathology causing seizures may develop so called "Alien Hand Syndrome" characterized by loss of awareness of their left hand when placed out of view (eg behind ones back). They are unable to find their hand!
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23

Many possibilities:
There are many possibilities for such voices. A full medical work up would be recommended. Schizophrenia is less likely to occur at such an age but is a possibility and generally does occur later in women compared to men
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24

Brain imaging scans:
Are an impressive tool to help us identify certain anatomical lesions in the brain and can help us identify certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, tumors, large strokes, and subdural hematoma's. Some of those conditions can cause dementia. Most of the time an MRI or cat scan is used to rule out underlying reversible causes of dementia. A scan such as a pet scan can be a more sens tool.
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No:
Using marijuana only once will not cause lasting problems. The chronic use does lead to decreased IQ by about 10%, may potentiate some mental health issues, addiction issues and in male can decrease testosterone levels.
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27

Who knows!:
So sorry about your son. All of his conditions you could think might cause a shorter life span for all sorts of reasons, but with good care one never knows. Accidents, poor nutrition (because he doesn't eat well), progressive brain deterioration if repeated seizures, infections, general stress with its harmful physical effects, all could contribute to premature death. Best of luck!
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29

Consult psychiatrist:
You sound very frightened, but have not supplied much information about yourself. To get the best help possible, you need to see a psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation. You can share your history, your concerns, and why you feel like you're developing schizophrenia. The psychiatrist can share what s/he feels is happening, and also offer any treatment needed. Best wishes.
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